The Jets attempted a field goal on a 4th-and-4 on the Bengals’ 4.
The NYT 4th Down Bot would have gone for it.

If you disagree

The coach’s decision to attempt a field goal is the right call if you think the Jets’ chances of converting on fourth down are less than 18 percent. But based on my analysis, I’d give the Jets a 36 percent chance to get a first down here.

Here's the full breakdown of my calculations:

Option

Chance of converting

Chance of winning

Before play

After play

Change

Go for it4th and 4, opp. 4

36%

64%

66%

+2%

Field goal try21 yard kick (est.)

99%

64%

64%

-

Punt

64%

58%

–6%

My decision in context

Along with some circuitry to come up with a win probability for every game situation, all you need to figure out what you should do next is an estimate of how likely you are to make a field goal or convert a first down.

My estimates for these are based on the results of thousands of similar plays, but you may think you're smarter than I am. This chart shows you how changing those estimates would change my recommendation.

What to do on 4th-and-4 on opp. 4

Up by 7 with 3:45 remaining in the 1st quarter

How important was this call?

If the coach had gone for it instead of attempting a field goal, I estimate the Jets’ chances of winning would be about 66 percent instead of 64 percent.

What coaches usually do

Field goal try

97% of the time

Go for it

3% of the time

Punt

-

Based on about 861 fourth downs in similar situations since 2001.

What happened

Nick Folk 22 yard field goal attempt is BLOCKED by Margus Hunt.

Where did these numbers come from?

To estimate a team’s chances of winning, I use a mathematical model that accounts for a whole lot of variables — including the difference in score, the time remaining in the game, and the number of timeouts each team has left. On top of that, I have models for the likelihood that a team makes a field goal and the likelihood that it will convert a first down.

By combining all of this information, I can come up with the best decision a team can make, according to math.

If you want even more details about the numbers behind my decisions, my full model is available on GitHub. Help make me better!